A countrywide crackdown on illegal alcohol has led to the seizure of more than 2.8 million litres of illicit brews and the arrest of 973 suspects since January 2026.

The operation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, targets criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of illegal alcohol across the country.

Rift Valley topped the list of recoveries, with over 870,000 litres recovered in the region alone. Nyanza followed with more than 690,000 litres seized, while Western recorded about 600,000 litres.

Nairobi accounted for 309,408 litres of the confiscated brews.

Beyond illicit alcohol, enforcement teams also impounded 21,280 litres of illicit ethanol. The sweep further netted narcotics, including 4,347 kg of cannabis, 7.7 kg of cocaine, and 6.4 kg of ketamine.

Authorities say the drive is part of intensified efforts under the Ministry of Interior to enforce regulations and dismantle criminal syndicates behind the trade.

The latest crackdown builds on similar large-scale operations carried out in 2025 and earlier this year, which focused on so called second generation alcohol and illegal manufacturing dens hidden in residential and remote areas.

Officials have linked the illicit trade to health risks, tax evasion, and funding of other crimes. “We are warning that this operations will continue until the networks are dismantled, “said the Ministry.

The Ministry is urging the public to report suspicious brewing and distribution activities.

Investigations into the 973 suspects are ongoing, with cases set to be forwarded for prosecution.